IEC not required for services exporters claiming no FTP benefits: Expert

Section 28DA of the Customs Act requires an importer to possess sufficient information about origin of imports, where preferential tariff treatment has been claimed.

Q. We export services. We are not taking any benefits under the Foreign Trade Policy. We have no imports or exports of goods. Are we required to take an importer exporter code (IEC) number? Please give the relevant legal provisions.

As per the proviso to Section 7 of the Foreign Trade (Development & Regulation) Act, 1992 (as amended), “in case of import or export of services, the Importer-exporter Code Number shall be necessary only when the service or technology provider is taking benefits under the foreign trade policy or is dealing with specified services or technology.”

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